It was the Lions who had the first opportunity when a turnover from the kick off gave them their first visit to the Taunton 22. The lineout was won by the new man, Lewis Chessum, who joined the side this week on a dual registration from Leicester Tigers, but the pack was unable to get the maul over the line and following a number of phases the home side eventually forced a turnover of their own.

The home side then had their first visit to the Lions 22 but this time it was the Lions who showed resolute defence to keep them out. An early injury to tight head prop Aaron Dawson meant that Beltus Nonleh came in to the action a lot earlier than expected.

Following a missed penalty by Francisco Diaz Dart, Taunton did finally break the Lions defence on 22 minutes when second row Ben Oliphant-Thomson crashed over from close range following a number of pick and go attempts. This time Diaz-Dart was on target with the conversion for a 7-0 lead.

The Lions responded well though, scoring almost immediately afterwards, when some good attacking play released winger Will Glister who raced clear of the covering defence to score out wide. Dan Lewis converted to bring the scores level (7-7).

Unfortunately the young Northampton Saint turned from hero to villan a few minutes later when his outstretched arm prevented what the officials saw as a clear line break opportunity so his knock-on was upgraded to a penalty and a yellow card. The Lions held firm during this period though and a successful long range penalty attempt from Lewis actually extended their lead just prior to half time to give them a 7-10 lead at the break.

Taunton drew level just after half time through a Diaz penalty (10-10) but it was the Lions who dominated the majority of the second half which saw much more attacking rugby from both sides compared to the relatively cagey first half.

The Lions scored the first try of the entertaining second half on 49 minutes when the hugely impressive 18 year old Leicester Tigers centre Charlie Myall broke through and beat the covering defence to cross out wide. This time Lewis was unable to convert (10-15).

The Lions had an extremely strong bench and this really made a difference to proceedings. Nonleh had provided huge impact with this carries and he was joined by fellow Northampton Saints man Craig Wright at hooker who, along with Coventry Rugby youngster Fin Ogden at scrum half, provided fresh legs and impetus in to the Lions attack.

They were joined shortly afterwards by Simon Johnson who made a crucial turnover in his own half with the home side looking dangerous. The Lions then launched an attack of their own and winger Jake Sterland crossed in the corner following some great handling across the back line once again. Lewis failed with the wide conversion again to leave the Lions with a 10 point advantage (10-20) with 10 minutes to go.

The home side threw caution to the wind and were rewarded when scrum half Jordan Petherbridge made a break from a breakdown on half way and it was finished off by replacement back-row Will De Boehmler. The try was converted by Diaz-Dart to set up a tense finish (17-20).

Last week it was the Lions who lost a bonus point in the last minute when Rosslyn Park scored a fourth try but this time it was the Lions who gained their bonus point try with the last play and in doing so denied their hosts a point. It was through another replacement, full-back Joe Brock, who gratefully received a lovely offload from man-of-the-match Dan Lewis to cross out wide. Lewis kicked the conversion for a 17-27 victory.

Due to Sale also losing the Lions jumped above both them and Taunton to go 12th in the table. They have the opportunity to climb another place when they face 11th placed Bishop Stortford at home next weekend.

Head coach Gareth Collins commented: ''I thought we were excellent today. Everyone was well aware of how big a game it was for both clubs and it certainly had a bit of a cup final feel to it. It's never easy being the away side in these games so I was impressed with how we managed to control most of the contest. Once we hit our straps second half we played some really good attacking rugby too. Today was all about the result so we're delighted with the 5 points. We now have a run of games up to Christmas that we can go in to with loads of confidence and hopefully improve our league position.''